Rabbits are raised world-wide for a variety of reasons. In Europe and Asia they are an important source of food. Rabbits
produce white meat that is fine-grained, high in protein, low in fat, highly palatable, low in cholesterol, and that can be
substituted for poultry in most recipes. Rabbit carcasses are only 20 percent bone. In the United States rabbits are raised
predominantly for nonfood purposes. High quality rabbit skins are used in fur garments and trimmings. Medical and cosmetic
research also requires a large number of rabbits each year. Many people raise rabbits for show or as pets

Rabbits are generally classified according to size, weight and type of pelt. Small rabbits weigh about 3-4 pounds at maturity,
medium breeds 9-12 pounds, and large breeds 14-16 pounds. The two most popular breeds for meat production are the New Zealand
and the Californian. These breeds are most popular because they combine white fur (preferred by processors) and good growth
characteristics. New Zealand rabbits are slightly larger than the Californian, 9-13 pounds versus 8-10 pounds. The New Zealand
rabbit has a completely white, red or black body, whereas the Californian is white with colored nose, ears and feet.

The two most popular rabbits for fur production are the Rex and the American Chinchilla. The Rex is slightly smaller than
the American Chinchilla, 7 pounds versus 10 pounds. Fur from the Rex rabbit is unique in that guard hairs and underfur are
the same length. The markets for rabbit fur tend to be unstable, so be sure there is a sufficient demand to allow fur to be
marketed in a reasonable amount of time.